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Hmmmm…Deep (Navy) Thoughts

3.06.2013

I really want to paint something. And I really want to paint something a deep color. It may be a sickness.

Even though I am in the middle of a DIY project that has required over 8 hours of painting so far (with more to come sadly…but I think it will be amazing when it is done…well it had better).

Anyway, ever since I saw this picture in my Nate Berkus Christmas present-

I can not get navy walls out of my head.

We have a gallery wall upstairs, and while it it currently pretty puny, it could be beefed up a little bit…and have a navy blue accent wall behind it. Not the whole foyer, just the back wall.

It just may give the foyer a pop and help to mask the wall color that I did not choose (and will need to hire a professional to do), the ugly light fixture and the need for some new art.

Or it could just make an already not bright space dimmer.

Or it could be amazing.

Painting it will be a leap of faith. Since we did not paint the foyer in the first place, we have no paint to “fix” it if it is horrible. And honestly accent walls scare me a little bit as they can look wrong so easily.

And since I have never done one, I am afraid my first attempt could fall in the “awful” or “weird” category.

Hmmmm…I can tell you that I am loving that blue every time I walk by it. Maybe I should just buy a gallon of paint. Just in case.

Can you do a virtual test? Is there a little program on a paint website somewhere that would allow you to see what the wall would look like in navy? I realize that's not going to answer every question you have, but it might give you a better idea.

Along with that, do you know where you would start and stop the navy paint?

Do you have a collection of pictures of accent walls that you do like? (Or could you find some?) What is it about these accent walls that works for you? {Conversely, can you see what is wrong with 'bad' accent walls?}

If you don't like the light fixture and the wall art, would it make a difference to tackle those things first? Would that change your perspective on doing that accent wall? (I know for me, sometimes a little time can give me the perspective I need too. Sometimes a few days/weeks/months help me to know if something is a passing fancy or a heart desire.)

Is there a navy that works well with the colours you already have in that space?

If navy is your deep desire, is there another space you could paint navy that wouldn't have the same ramifications if things didn't work out?

I do hope these questions are helpful and not hurtful. I don't know you very well at all, so I would suggest asking someone who knows you (and your style) well.

In the end, it is only paint. It can be redone if you don't like it, whether that means matching the current colour or having a good excuse to paint it all a colour that you do like. And I think it's the Nester who says that paint is a pretty cheap and easy way to change a space.

Good luck in your decision making! I look forward to seeing the results, whatever they are.

Just wanted to send you a huge THANK YOU!!! I know you don't know me, I found you through some other blog..not sure which one. BUT...I glazed my honey oak vanity cabinet in the kids bathroom and it looks amazing!!!!! It was super easy. I'm so thankful for your tutorial. Thanks Jenny! You made my month..(it took me a while to get it done because of other busyness in my life)

Go for it!! I painted the upper 2/3 of my dining room, above the chair rail, a deep blue (Behr Starless Night)over a year ago and I love it. A dramatic color will look fabulous with your photos - just like your inspiration from Nate. Do you have a large piece of navy fabric in your stash you could pin there? That might give you a better idea of the end result than you paint sample.